Café • Emporium • Events

Whether you arrive on two wheels or two feet, The Social is for you.

The South Downs Social is The Handmade Cyclist’s cafe, shop and event space in the heart of Winchester. One of Winchester’s most popular cafes, with a unique, easygoing vibe and plenty of room to relax.

Upstairs you’ll find our newest space, The Studio: additional seating, artist studios, shopping - and the best people watching in Winchester.

We’ve got awesome, locally-roasted coffee, great events, the tastiest cakes, freshly-cooked breakfasts and lunches from independent local producers - plus a unique selection of cycling lifestyle goods from curated brands.

And of course, we’ll never forget our roots. We’re Hampshire’s finest cycling cafe, and with good reason:

  • Perfectly located in central Winchester at the start and finish of the King Alfred’s Way and South Downs Way

  • Secure bike parking inside the cafe

  • Cycling talks and events

  • Live racing on two big screena

Feels like home.

Upcoming events

  • Live Racing: The Spring Classics

    It’s ‘Openings Weekend’!

    The cycling season kicks off here…

    Come and join us for the first Spring Classics of the year with Omloop and K-B-K live on the big screens, plus Belgian beers, food special and more

  • Adventures in Sound: Beautiful Music to Soothe Your Sunday

    Sunday 3rd March, 1-4pm in The Studio
    ADMISSION FREE

    The first of our new monthly listening parties, upstairs in The Studio. Anything goes, so expect the unexpected!

  • New - Cycling Talks with Winchester University

    We’ve got three great new talks with the cycling performance experts from Winchester Uni’s Wellbeing & Sports Consultancy to help you get fitter, faster (and cleverer).

  • Throwdown 6: Latte Art Competition

    Thursday 21st March, from 7pm

    ADMISSION FREE

    Come and see the South’s best Baristas battle it out for the coveted Throwdown Crown. And drink more free coffee than is sensible while you’re here

“A really outstanding cycling friendly coffee shop in the centre of Winchester. Great venue, decorated with cycling posters and vintage bikes.”

—Google review from Phillip A, South Downs Social customer